| Markeaton Park Light Railway is a 15" gauge line, operating in Markeaton Park, Derby just off the A38 trunk road. It is a family run business that works all year round, weekends off - season and 7 days a week in summer months and school holidays. I have been a volunteer driver there from time to time. Sadly the steam loco "Markeaton Lady" suffered a boiler failure and was sold in July 2009. The railway is currently running the "Baby Deltic" diesel. |
Louis Searle & his wife, the original inspiration for and founder of MPLR |
The Sarum Harwoods (Salisbury) bridge, made of Ecke, under construction over Markeaton Lake |
"Invicta" and toastrack carriage being inspected by Geoff Spate, Deputy Director of Leisure Services at Derby and a major protagonist for the railway's inception |
The original launch of the railway with "Invicta", the petrol loco and toastrack carriage that started it all |
Early days -Footings go in for Lakebridge over Markeaton Lake |
"Cromwell" approaches the passing loop at "Little Siberia" on a rare two train running day |
On an impulse, my colleague Hilary Nelmes and I decided to go and check the levels for the new passing loop by the lake during a snow blizzard - enthusiasm for you! |
"Lady" and daffodils at Mundy Halt, a sight not to be seen again following her sale in 2009 |
My colleague on the Parks Dept. Hilary Nelmes inspects the new Sarum Hardwoods bridge being installed over the lake |
The Morse Switcher, based on a Pennsy USA loco design, on a special visit from Jim & Helen |
Lakebridge materialises |
"Cromwell" looks fine one Spring alongside the Kanzan Cherry |
"Invicta! nicknamed "The Putt Putt" being launched by the then MP Greg Knight and Leisure Services chairman Colin Brown |
"Cromwell" - a bit of an animal, waits to head out on service at Markeaton Station. We loved her really! She was fun to drive. |
Early days at Markeaton Station, still under construction as the train is tested |
The Morse petrol loco has not seen service for many years, possibly best known for its period at Margate's dreamland, where she was still busy in 1963. This is her second body, the previous one being based on the Metropolitan Railway's electric locos. The current body has a semblance of 1940's American diesels like the F7 |
Happier times with "Markeaton Lady" swinging in towards Mundy halt past the magnificent daffodils |
"Cromwell" and "Markeaton Lady" pass each other at the loop |
"Cromwell" the Alan Keef diesel, which was originally built by Rustons in 1957, seen outside Markeaton Sation in Springtime. She is now in The vale of Evesham but not running. |
D5905 CITY OF DERBY WAITS IN MARKEATON STATION WITH OWNER JOHN BULL |
Baby deltic at the headshunt at Mundy Halt, end of the line |
"Markeaton Lady" being watered up at the station |
Former mainstay of the line, "Markeaton Lady" posed on Daisy Bank. She always looked good and was a super engine to drive. Sadly she was sold in July 2009, following a boiler failure. |
Markeaton Lady at the headshunt at Markeaton Station, with a backdrop of Hawthorn "Paul's Scarlet" |
